P43 Effectiveness of a mechanic‐chemical method in reducing malodor of dentures

Objective of investigation  To assess effectiveness of a mechanic‐chemical denture cleansing to reduce malodor in denture wearers in comparison with a brushing only method. Methods  Twenty‐nine denture wearers between 50 and 60 years old, 6 months after denture delivery were trained to clean their dentures with denture brush and soak in normal saline at nights for 1 month. The malodor of dentures was detected with a bad breath detector (VSC monitor: Tanita, Japan). In the following month the subjects were trained to clean with a denture brush but additionally soak in antiseptic mouthwash (Listerine, USA) each night and soak in 5% sodium hypochlorite twice a week for 5 min. At the end of 1 month the malodor of dentures was again assessed using the VSC monitor. Results and discussion  For denture brush alone all cases showed severe malodor VSC levels. Following the mechanic‐chemical cleansing, 20 cases gave moderate and nine cases gave mild malodor VSC levels. Statistical analysis with Wilcoxon test determined the mechanic‐chemical method to have been significantly effective ( P ‐value <0.05). The results show that for reducing malodor of dentures, denture brush alone is insufficient and use of antiseptic materials are necessary. Some studies have stated that allergic reactions to sodium hypochlorite are possible and in addition denture cleansing may be difficult for disabled or elderly patients. Therefore, future studies should focus on non‐allergic disinfectants and/or simpler/easier methods (recommended protocols) to carry out effective disinfection. Conclusion  The mentioned mechanic‐chemical method proved to be effective at reducing malodor of dentures whilst brushing alone was insufficient.